The new Melbourne headquarters of Holder East at 170 Queen Street offers a unique blend of tranquillity and sophistication in the CBD. Designed by Fender Katsalidis, the office aims to be a calm sanctuary amid the urban hustle.
September 12th, 2023
In Melbourne’s central business district, known for its urban pulse and skyscraper-lined streets, Holder East has introduced a new headquarters that offers a contrasting atmosphere. Located at 170 Queen Street and designed by Fender Katsalidis, an international design firm renowned for its diverse global portfolio, the new workspace aims to serve as a calm and harmonious environment.
According to Karen Morris, Fender Katsalidis associate principal, the objective for the design was to create “a tranquil, timeless office, suitable for entertaining clients and visitors.” This design brief has been realised through a carefully planned layout and material choices.
A dominant feature of the headquarters is its toned-down palette, described by Morris as “a light, bright tonal environment that juxtaposed the urban backdrop of Melbourne’s CBD.” A noteworthy implementation is at the ceiling level, where exposed existing services, such as ductwork, have been treated and set within a clearly defined zone. Morris explains that this approach “ensured a balance was created between the industrial envelope and refined materials, creating a layered and rich space.”
Related: CUE Melbourne by Geyer
Upon entering the building, visitors encounter an open, naturally-lit area marked by sculptural furnishings and brass-accented joinery. Venetian plaster walls, fine-grain terrazzo tiles and light linen drapery are consistently featured, contributing to a calm and elegant visual language.
Functional design aspects are not overlooked, particularly in creating key sightlines to aid the office’s spatial flow. The breakout space features a kitchen and bar area with a generous stone bench and tonal grey cabinetry. This zone serves as a gathering point for both clients and staff. Morris adds, “The monolithic structure of the [kitchen] bench creates a beautiful anchor point for the space that people are intuitively drawn towards.”
Lighting, crucial in any design, is amplified by large steel-framed partitions along corridors that enable natural light to disperse throughout the office. This feature aligns with the architectural elements of the building and serves a dual purpose in aesthetics and functionality.
Beyond the areas visible to visitors, the Holder East team operates in an open-plan environment complemented by a range of meeting rooms and private offices. The office fit-out was completed in late 2022, conceived during the pandemic and developed primarily online.
Fender Katsalidis
fkaustralia.com
Photography
Courtesy of Fender Katsalidis
We think you might also like this comment piece by FK’s Jessica Lee on aged care.
A searchable and comprehensive guide for specifying leading products and their suppliers
Keep up to date with the latest and greatest from our industry BFF's!
The Sub-Zero Wolf showrooms in Sydney and Melbourne provide a creative experience unlike any other. Now showcasing all-new product ranges, the showrooms present a unique perspective on the future of kitchens, homes and lifestyles.
‘The Elevation of Gravity’ installation was an immersive showcase of innovation that heralded the debut of Gaggenau’s groundbreaking Essential Induction cooktop.
Savage Design’s approach to understanding the relationship between design concepts and user experience, particularly with metalwork, transcends traditional boundaries, blending timeless craftsmanship with digital innovation to create enduring elegance in objects, furnishings, and door furniture.
Channelling the enchanting ambience of the Caffè Greco in Rome, Budapest’s historic Gerbeaud, and Grossi Florentino in Melbourne, Ross Didier’s new collection evokes the designer’s affinity for café experience, while delivering refined seating for contemporary hospitality interiors.
Meet a design studio that takes the business of design to another level. Zenith’s in-house Design Studio makes all the difference and let’s find out why.
The American Hardwood Export Council promotes the works of next-gen designers through Discovered Singapore exhibition happening from 16 to 22 May at Red Dot Design Museum Singapore.
The internet never sleeps! Here's the stuff you might have missed
Wood Marsh’s 40-year legacy shines through landmark infrastructure projects. Recently completing stunning stations at Coburg and Moreland, their designs blend modernity with community needs.
Melbourne’s Wall to Wall festival has just taken place, transforming neglected urban spaces into vibrant hubs of creativity through large-scale mural works by renowned artists.